According to the National Standards for Arts Education, performing, creating, and responding to music are the fundamental music processes in which humans engage. Listening to, analyzing, and the evaluation of music are important building blocks of musical learning. A large breadth of background enables students to begin to understand the connections and relationships between music and other disciplines.

The study of music is a product of its time and place, although some works transcend their original settings. To participate fully in a diverse, global society, students must understand their own historical and cultural heritage and those of others within their communities and beyond. Music is a basic expression of human culture; every student should have access to a balanced, comprehensive, and sequential program of study in music. The study of music in K-5 grades uniquely embraces a sequential and quality performance-based curriculum that is developmentally appropriate to all learners.